Improved conditions should help fire crews and allow residents to return to their neighborhoods

• Easing of extreme winds expected to strengthen efforts to put out blazes

Windy, flame-fanning weather in Southern California has eased up as firefighters report significant gains against the two massive wildfires burning around Los Angeles, the Associated Press reports.

A “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red-flag warning has expired as of Wednesday. But dry conditions and gusty winds are expected to linger into Thursday, mostly in the mountains.